“There’s simply not enough places for people to live,” she said. “We haven’t had an investment in affordable housing in Essex County in over 20 years.”

Not only that, there are also more than 4,000 people on the central housing registry, where individuals “are at risk for being homeless at any time” because they are spending more than the recommended amount on living, Zuk said.

Tough conversation

In July, Windsor city council approved a project to construct 150 affordable housing units in the city’s east end, which is expected to be a $39-million project.

Joyce Zuk, executive director of Family Services Windsor-Essex, says there simply aren’t enough affordable homes in the region to house people who are homeless. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

Zuk said that announcement was welcome; however, to immediately address the homelessness problem, there needs to be at least 500 more units.

Homeowners are enjoying the benefits of the prices, but “there are other things that happen as a result of an increase in that housing price,” she said.

However difficult, the conversation about homelessness will continue at a public forum held by the Homeless Coalition on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Ciociaro Club. Municipal election candidates — city and county — will invited to the event.

FSWE note: While this Information Forum has taken place, housing and homelessness continue to be pressing concerns for many people in this area. We encourage everyone to speak with their local candidates about this issue and continue the important discussion on how to address the rental housing needs faced by municipalities across Windsor and Essex County.

Click here to to listen to the full interview between Joyce Zuk and Tony Ducette on CBC Radio Windsor Morning Show